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Recreation

5 Ways to Play in Mayville

Swing some clubs at Mayville Golf Course

This 18-hole regulation length golf course has earned a reputation as a satisfying challenge for golfers of varying experience levels. Established in the 1930s, it’s also one of the oldest public courses in the state. The course features rolling hills and slopes in a countryside setting. The clubhouse serves drinks and food like sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs which can be enjoyed on the large deck overlooking the course. Located on the Rock River, golfers often sneak in wildlife viewing between holes. Due to COVID-19, all T times must be scheduled in advance over the phone. 

Pick strawberries at Mayberry Farms

From strawberries to sunflowers, get your rustic chic fix at Mayberry Farms, just one mile east of Mayville. Typically beginning in mid-June and running through early July, the strawberry picking season is short, but oh so sweet. This family-owned farm offers both pre-picked and pick-your-own strawberry options, with adaptations this year to allow for social distancing. Visitors can also pick up honey from the farm’s hives and pre-cut flowers. Starting in August, you can even schedule an Instagram-worthy photo session in the farm’s sunflower field. Keep an eye on the farm’s website and social media for strawberry picking updates and event information. 

Paddle down the Rock River 

The Upper Rock River basin spans 1,890 square miles of south central Wisconsin. At the north end of the basin, the river’s three branches come together in Horicon Marsh. The river’s east branch flows at the outskirts of Mayville, winding around the golf course and parks, providing much of the town with gorgeous scenery and waterfront views. To really get up close to the river’s beauty, take advantage of the free kayaks at Mayville City Park. They are provided by the Mayville Rotary Club on a first come, first served basis and sanitizer is available. 

Spend a day at the Mayville Gun Club

Seated on 50 wooded acres against the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area, the Mayville Gun Club is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy everything from shooting trap, skeet and sporting clays to archery and fishing at the pond. After shooting, relax at the clubhouse with satellite TVs for sports fans and a bar that leads out to a deck overlooking the pond. The public is always welcome. 

Play Bingo at the American Legion Hall

For an unfiltered taste of Mayville’s lively spirit, head to the American Legion hall for Thursday night bingo. Here you can get a little competitive with locals who take bingo seriously, but keep a sense of humor about it. Bingo is hosted on the first and third Thursday of every month. If there is a fifth Thursday, like there is in October, bingo is on. Doors open at 5 p.m., games begin at 6:30 p.m. The Auxiliary sells sandwiches, soups and desserts from 4:30 to 8 p.m. While bingo has been put on hold due to public health concerns, it is scheduled to resume in September. Visit Mayville, WI American Legion Post 69 on Facebook for updates. 

Explore the Horicon Marsh

The Horicon Marsh was formed by glaciers and is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States. From biking and birding to fishing and canoeing, the recreational opportunities at the marsh are immense. The marsh is divided in two sections. The Horicon National Wildlife Refuge makes up the northern two-thirds and is owned by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The Horicon “TernPike” auto tour and hiking trails are located here on State Highway 49, just east of Waupun. It offers a paved 3-mile driving route and three hiking trails featuring a unique floating boardwalk that takes visitors out over the water of the marsh. The Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area, owned by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, makes up the marsh’s southern one-third and is located along Hwy 28 less than 10 minutes from Mayville. Here you can catch one of the best views of the marsh at Palmatory Point, which is a high point at the end of Palmatory Street in Horicon. Kayaking and canoeing are permitted in the state wildlife area, where birdwatching is also especially popular. “The beauty of the Horicon Marsh is every time you come, you will see something different,” says Wildlife Educator Liz Herzmann. “What’s made Horicon Marsh so popular is the migrations of fall waterfowl and spring songbirds. People literally flock to Horicon Marsh during the fall migration.” In total, there are three nature centers on the marsh. The Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center in the state wildlife area includes the Explorium which was added in 2015. This interactive exhibit in the center’s lower level walks visitors through the history of the marsh from the Ice Age to present day. The experience is narrated by a Clovis spearpoint (voiced by a Morgan Freeman impersonator) as visitors view, listen, touch and even smell displays that document the changes to the marsh over time. The Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area typically hosts many events each season, including a candlelight hike in winter and the Horicon Marsh Bird Festival in May. At press time, the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center is closed to the public and all events have been canceled, but trails and the auto tour are open. Visit horiconmarsh.org for the latest updates.

On the Horizon

Audubon Days Festival 

This beloved town festival includes food and drink tents, a parade, kids games/crafts, bean bag tournaments and live music. It’s usually held in September at the Mayville Park Pavillion, however the 2020 event has been canceled due to COVID-19. For updates on the 2021 event, visit mayvillecity.com. 

Rock River Bierfest

The Rock River Bierfest is the primary annual fundraiser for the Mayville Rotary Club. During the upcoming event on January 30, 2021, the historic Mayville Park Pavilion will be filled with microbrewers featuring several craft beer selections to enjoy, food from local establishments and live musical entertainment. This 21+ event runs from 3-6pm. For updates, visit rockriverbierfest.com.